Ferreira glad to be playing

Chelsea defender Paulo Ferreira has admitted he is enjoying life back in the first-team.

Last Updated: 14/10/10 5:30pm

Chelsea defender Paulo Ferreira has admitted he is enjoying life back in the first-team following his injury problems.

The Portuguese full-back has made a return to full fitness following a cruciate knee injury that ruled him out last season, having made four starts and two substitute appearances in the league so far.

The 31-year-old has often been a bit-part player with the Blues since moving from Porto in 2004, but has stayed loyal to the club and been rewarded by manager Carlo Ancellotti with more first-team opportunities.

Ferreira insisted that he was happy with his role at the club, and wanted to stay in London for the duration of his contract, that expires in 2013.

"Last season I didn't play much but the games I had I tried to give everything and I finished the season well," said Ferreira.

"This season I had a good pre-season because last season I was recovering from the knee operation.

Working hard

"This season I am enjoying it a lot, working hard and always ready to play if the manager wants. I've had chances to play and given 100% and tried to help the team.

"The cruciate is not an easy injury, it's hard to come back at 100%. You have in your mind that you can get hurt, it takes a bit of time and you need to be strong, to make sure you go into challenges and not get hurt.

"After that difficulty I felt well and got a few consecutive matches where I was feeling much more confident.

"I don't know what will happen, let's see. I want to keep going as long as I can. I think I can keep going, I have to work hard and not have any more injury problems, because when you reach an age where you start having injuries it's hard, but you need to play games.

"When you are young if you don't play for a while you are still fresh but as